Introduction:
You might think that the construction estimating software you’re using is just a tiny detail in your business. And if you’re a smaller company, this may be true. But even though you might not have been thinking about hiring management consultants to help your business expand and grow, there’s no denying that it needs to happen eventually. Estimating software helps you estimate costs for construction projects, but free or mostly-free estimators are plentiful online. They can even assist with bids to get more jobs! However, while they are helpful tools, they are not perfect and some of them have their limitations such as missing features or giving inaccurate estimates when renovations exist in an area on the property.
What is Construction Estimating Software?
Construction estimating software is a computer program specifically created for the purpose of estimating construction costs. The program, once set up, helps you create various types of estimates for construction projects. This includes but is not limited to:
– Basic Site Plans – Development Plans – Additions & Remodels – Garage & Storage Facilities
It enables you to calculate the prices that different kinds of construction projects would cost. It also helps define how much each phase of the project will cost, if any. This is highly useful information if you want to bid some jobs or if you’re large enough to want an in-house estimator.
Why is this useful for the business?
- Generating bids
In many cases, this software will generate an estimate of your construction costs. In other cases, it can help you make bids. Bids can be a great way to get more gigs if you have a high-work load and don’t want to hire consultants to come out and do estimates or if you have a business that should be rethinking its pricing strategy because of economic reasons. Whatever the case may be, it is surely better than going on price negotiations with companies who may or may not have their real asking price, which could lead to bidding wars based on the wrong information.
- Making more money
As your construction business grows and you’re making more money, you might want to consider the value of hiring a construction estimator. Even though it is expensive, they are extremely helpful and are often worth their weight in gold. If you have a small operation or simply a tight budget, hiring an estimator can help increase profitability as you will be able to get more jobs at a better price. There’s also no need to hire a consultant for every single job; instead, you can have them do estimates when necessary or when prices are going up. It may not be free but it helps your bottom line tremendously.
- Better Decisions
When you’re bidding jobs, it is important to make sure that you’re getting the right information. By outsourcing this aspect of your business, you help yourself make better decisions when bidding projects. You don’t have to be a construction expert to estimate the cost of a project and get the information you need. This helps you make better decisions on what to bid, when to bid on jobs, and more. It is therefore important for you to get the best estimator when it comes to this.
- Discerning between good and bad estimates
Some estimators will generate accurate and reliable estimates while others will not. It is important that the job you are contracting or bidding is one that can be accurately estimated by an estimator, no matter how inaccurate they may be. If there are issues with your estimate (or any other issue), you will want to know them so that you can get a second estimate or decide if the job really needs a second opinion before getting a bid/contract.
- It’s a matter of cost
At times, the material costs can be an issue for you. If this is the case, having an estimate will tell you exactly what these costs are and help you decide if you really want to get the job or not. If the prices are too high or if there are other issues that may cause problems for you, then it is best not to bid on it at all. Also, by having accurate estimates on hand, you’ll find that your prices tend to come down as competition increases and your market share increases.
Significance of Construction Estimating Software:
In the current competitive business environment, construction estimating software (or web-based software) can be a boon for every construction company. It has also changed the way in which estimates are generated and bids are formulated. Construction estimating software is effective when used for:
- Site planning and development
- Additions and additions (basements, porches etc.)
- Garage and storage facilities (building a new one or adding on to an existing one)
- Roofing projects
- Remodeling projects
- Complex building projects (office buildings, factories, etc.)
Conclusion:
In conclusion, construction estimating software is extremely important for every business that does construction projects. Even if you’re a small, one-person company, you owe it to yourself and your business to get an estimate. Building a successful business is all about being prepared and having the right tools. These can include things as simple as free estimation software.